MOTOR ROADS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16412, 4 January 1919, Page 5

MOTOR ROADS.

TO TH* EDITOR O* "THE PRESS." Sir, —Yonr correspondent, Jlr Wilkinson, is doing a public service by bringing into prominence the great need which exists for some systematic provision being; murde for the over-increas-ing volume of motor-car traffic on country roads. Undoubtedly something will have to be- done, and done qiiickly, and now that the all absorbing interest in the war is abating and o*r lending men are able to devote some attention to other matters, this question might well be given prominence. Tho great increase in Heavy motor traffic is giviug the local road authorities much concern. They know that it will quickly disrupt the' roads, and that the ordinary and usual methods of road rnaintonanco are practically useless as far as motor traffic is concerned. Mr Wilkinson appears to favour the concrete road. 2so aoubt for permnneneo this would be the best, but the expense would be heavy, and I am told, by those who have had experience, that the concrete surfaco is very- severe on rubber tyres. Would it not_ be advisable for some of the local bodios to join forces and lay down a-mile or two of different kinds of roadway at somo points near our chief cities, for experimental purposes. I notice in a recent issue of an American magazine that a new substauce, said to Be in use already on thousands of miles of roadway all over the coun-

try in U.S.A., lias given very satisfactory results. The substance is named "Tarvia." and it is said to strengthen the road, making it- water-proof* dustless. miuiless, and proof against motorwear. 3iv the way, I notice in a recent ■ issue* of "''Tho Press," that two local 3 authorities in tho .North Auckland disk tricb have jointly borrowed over 1 £100,000 for tho construction of a main " motor road running north from Anck--5 land. "When will Canterbury wake up ' and follow suit?— Yours, 6 ?°-'j o j T t Ashburton, January Ist, 1919.